Amorim may try again to keep Manchester United's new star! He bluntly says the youth academy is overrated, opportunities were given but not utilized.

According to Italian media, Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim might once again block the loan or transfer of academy midfielder Kobe Meno in the January winter transfer window. However, he made it clear that the 20-year-old English midfielder will not receive special treatment just because he is a youth product; if he doesn’t meet the standards, he won’t get chances.

Italian outlet "Il Mattino" reported that although Napoli is very interested in Meno, Manchester United may not be able to bring in a new midfielder during the winter window, so Amorim will continue to try to avoid losing too many first-team players. Just like in the final moments of the summer window, he might not approve Meno’s loan or permanent transfer.

Amorim stated that he has not discussed transfer matters with Meno. "I have had some communication with him, especially last year, and with other players as well. But regarding transfers, no, I haven’t talked about that with him," the Manchester United coach explained. "I am completely honest with players, and I think that’s clear. But what I cannot promise is that I will change my mind—I have my own views, and if I disagree, I won’t alter them. Still, I am willing to talk to any player; I like that."

Amorim added, "Any player has the chance to change my opinion, but in the end, it depends on training and matches. Of course, Kobe (Meno) hasn’t had many playing opportunities recently, but he has had chances, especially last year. Everyone gets a chance. I just want to focus on the team, work hard to win the next game, and think about the squad. I will stick to my principles until the end. I fully understand the attention on Kobe, I know how important he is to you English fans, and I understand your expectations. But I only want to win, and if he is the right choice, I will play him. No problem."

Although Amorim has been reluctant to start Meno this season, he realizes that in the second half of the season, particularly during the Africa Cup of Nations when players like Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are absent, this player may need to be used more frequently.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Mannarino spoke last week about the club’s interest in Meno but did not confirm any plans to sign him.

"Since August, he has been linked with Napoli, partly due to his age, potential, and opportunities," the Napoli executive told Sky Italia. "However, our team is currently performing well and has become more solid. We do have some key players missing at the moment, but they will return sooner or later, ready to face challenges with enthusiasm and determination. The club needs to make the right assessments and then see how things develop."

Amorim has recently been criticized by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes and others, who believe he is unsuitable for the club, partly because he does not trust the academy players. After Meno was sidelined, none of the current main squad members come from the Red Devils’ youth system.

In response, Amorim believes the Manchester United academy is overrated. He named three young players who were frequently featured in the past but were overhyped, given chances but ultimately ineffective. The players mentioned include midfielder Toby Collier, fullback Harry Armas, and forward Chido Obi.

The 21-year-old Collier was favored by the previous coach Ten Hag and is currently on loan at Championship side West Brom, but he returned early to Manchester United for treatment due to injury. Before his injury, he started only three times at The Hawthorns, including being substituted after just 11 minutes against Birmingham. Armas and Obi both got some playing time under Amorim but were later loaned out to the Championship or sent to the reserves for development.

Obi, Armas, and Tyler Fredrickson are the only three players to have made their debut from the academy during Amorim’s tenure. Young center-back Fredrickson was substituted at halftime during the League Cup second-round match against League Two side Grimsby and has not appeared for the first team since.

Amorim said, "Collier has played for Manchester United’s first team; he is a product of the academy and has featured for the senior squad. Then he went to West Brom but couldn’t get game time there. Before that, he was starting for Manchester United. So sometimes limited playing time isn’t about being an academy player or not. Armas is now playing for a bottom Championship team, and Chido (Obi) isn’t always starting even for the U21s. I don’t know what the future holds for Meno; let’s see what happens after the next match. I remember when these players were playing last season, many people were calling for the coach’s dismissal! So I’m not worried; this isn’t the first time I’ve been through this."